Most Manhattan homes and apartments get their power from Con Edison, the city’s main electric utility. While Con Ed handles the electricity itself, you’ll need to set up your account before you can turn on the lights in your new place. This guide, from a local moving company, walks you through what to expect when starting your electricity service in Manhattan—so you can settle in without delays.
Step 1: Start Your Application Online
Go to the Con Edison website and click “Start Service.” You’ll need your new address, move-in date, and a valid photo ID. If you’ve never had an account before, Con Edison may ask for a small deposit. Setting up online takes only a few minutes, and you can choose your service start date based on when you plan to move in.
It’s best to complete the process one to two weeks before move-in day. That gives Con Edison time to activate your service so your lights turn on the moment you arrive.
Step 2: Confirm If Service Already Exists
Many Manhattan apartments already have electricity connected through the landlord. If that’s the case, Con Edison will automatically transfer the account to your name once you register your own service.
If the apartment was previously listed as a commercial space or a short-term rental, you may need to call customer service to switch it to a residential account before starting service.
Step 3: Provide Identification and Deposit (If Needed)
New customers without a payment history may need to pay a deposit. This helps establish credit and ensures continuous service. The deposit amount depends on your apartment type and estimated energy use.
Once your identity is verified and the deposit—if required—is paid, you’ll receive a confirmation email or letter from Con Edison with your official start date.
Step 4: Prepare for Move-In Day
When your scheduled date arrives, your electricity will already be active. You won’t need to meet a technician unless there’s a service issue or a special meter setup. It’s smart to test a few outlets and light switches early in the day to confirm everything is working as expected.
If something seems off, you can contact Con Edison through their live chat or customer service line for quick help.
What Is Con Edison?
What is Con Edison? It’s short for Consolidated Edison, the main utility company that supplies electricity and gas to Manhattan, the other New York City boroughs, and Westchester County. Con Edison manages the city’s power grid and ensures residents have reliable energy service year-round.
Whether you live in a high-rise near Central Park or a studio in the Lower East Side, Con Edison is the provider responsible for keeping your home powered.
Tips for a Smooth Setup
Setting up electricity doesn’t have to be stressful. Plan ahead, double-check your move-in details, and complete your online application early. Save your confirmation email in case you need to reference your service start date later.
If you’re renting, ask your landlord if there’s already a Con Edison account tied to your unit—this can simplify the transfer process. And if you ever move again, you can easily stop or transfer service from your online dashboard.
Make Your Manhattan Move Easier with FlatRate Moving
Once your electricity is set up, the next step is getting your belongings safely to your new home. FlatRate Moving has been helping Manhattan residents move smoothly for decades. Our Manhattan movers know the city inside and out, from navigating tight hallways to managing high-rise deliveries.
Let FlatRate Moving handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling in with your lights on and your new life in motion.